Gary Waddock has revealed he is yet to decide whether to bring in a permanent signing or a loan goalkeeper to act as competition for Jake Cole this season – and the Shots boss will be looking at the options on Saturday (July 14) at Leatherhead.

After a week of hard training in hot conditions at Lilleshall, Aldershot returned home on Thursday and played their first pre-season friendly on Monday evening – a behind closed-doors game at Oxford City.

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The first chance that supporters will have to see their new-look team – and a few trialists – will be on Saturday when the Shots face Isthmian League side Leatherhead (managed by former Aldershot goalkeeper Nikki Bull) at Fetcham Grove.

And as well as gaining some fitness, Waddock will be using the match to mull over his options between the sticks for the coming campaign.

Jake Cole (Image: Steve Porter)

“I’m in the process of looking at goalkeepers,” the manager said. “I’ve got a few options. A couple would be loan moves and one would be a permanent deal. I’ve got to make sure that I pick the right option.

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“I’m looking for at least one [goalkeeper option other than Cole] to play on Saturday. Saturday will be about fitness because the lads just need minutes in their legs.

“At Leatherhead there will be one or two trialists but it will be in the main the lads that are already under contract.”

One player currently on trial is Luton Town defender Frankie Musonda and Waddock believes the 20-year-old could make a good loan signing for the Shots.

“He has done well,” Waddock said. “He trained on Saturday and did very well in the heat. We are having a look at him and he can have a look at us as well. Nathan Jones, the manager at Luton, I know well and he has been very good to allow us to have a look at Frankie.

“He is a talented, young player and I’ve seen him in games at few times for Luton. We will have a look at him in a few friendlies and then I’ll go back to Nathan and we can have a conversation.”

Gary Waddock, Aldershot Town FC (Image: Jake Darling)

The Shots have added former Northampton and Crawley Town defender Josh Lelan and Huddersfield Town U23s captain, midfielder Regan Booty to their squad this week but Waddock insisted the pair will have to fight for their place in the team just like everybody else.

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“Josh played 30-odd games last year in League Two and he can play in a couple of positions,” Waddock said. “And to get Regan from Huddersfield is very good from our point of view and he is a talented player who needs and wants senior football, so that’s a good fit.

“We are pleased to get that over the line. They want him to have game time but as everyone knows within our group; everybody has to fight for their place from game-to-game. It’s up to him and his ability and performances to make sure that he starts. If he’s playing well then he plays and if he doesn’t then he doesn’t.”